Cairney: I would have turned down Hull City deal to sign for Blackburn Rovers

TOM Cairney has revealed he would have turned down a new contract with Hull City to sign for Blackburn Rovers.

And the fans’ favourite is determined to celebrate signing a three-and-a-half-year deal with Rovers by helping them cause an FA Cup upset at home to Manchester City today (12.45pm).

Cairney completed a permanent move to Ewood Park on Thursday after his initial six-month loan spell from Hull ran out.

The Tigers were reluctant to lose Cairney.

They gave the 22-year-old midfielder his debut – in the Premier League, when he was 19 – and there was speculation that they could offer him fresh terms to stay.

That could have scuppered Rovers’ hopes of keeping Cairney.

But the player himself had already made his mind up.

“There was talk of a new contract at Hull and I was going to go back there,” said Cairney, who has scored two goals in 24 appearances for Rovers – a record he wants to improve on.

“But I knew Blackburn wanted me to stay and if that option came along then that’s what I wanted to do.

“I’m 22 and I want to play as much football as I can, I don’t want to be missing out week in and week out.

“If I had gone back to Hull I might have got the odd Premier League game.

“That would have been fantastic but I would rather get back to the Premier League with Blackburn.”

Cairney starred in the New Year’s Day win at Leeds United, the club who released him when he was 16 as they felt he was too small. Cairney, who now stands at 6ft, ran the game from the centre of the park.

But there have been times this season when he has played on the right of a midfield four or on the right of a three behind lone striker Jordan Rhodes.

So what does he think is his best position?

“The one I played on New Year’s Day is my natural position,” said Cairney.

“We played a three in midfield and I played in the middle, which I really enjoyed and I think I played really well. “But there at times when I’ve played on the right. I’ve never played there before but I think I’ve been quite effective playing there and got in good positions.

“I’m not bothered where I play as long as I’m on the pitch but I am more natural in the middle.”

No matter what line-up City start with at Ewood Park this afternoon they will be expected to progress to the fourth round.

Manuel Pellegrini’s men are the 5/1 favourites to lift the FA Cup for a sixth time – the same amount that Rovers have won it – and are on a seven-match winning run in all competitions as they chase glory on four fronts.

But Cairney insists Rovers can get at least a draw.

“Even if they play the ressies they’ll still be worth £200m,” said the Scotland Under 21 international.

“It doesn’t matter who plays in the Manchester City shirt you know it’s going to be an international player and a class act.

“We’ve just got to do what we do. We always create chances in games and hopefully they won’t like it at Ewood if it’s a bit windy and bit rainy.

“Who knows what will happen? The FA Cup is special and stranger things have happened. But we know it’s going to be a tough test against a top side.

“Obviously you see them week in and week out on Match of the Day and realise they are special players, so to play against them is just a great opportunity and we’ve got to relish it.

“We’re not going to go out there and get beat 4-0 and go home happy. We want to get through to the next round, we want to cause an upset.

“Nobody outside our training ground will give us much of a chance but we believe we can definitely get something out of the game.”

Rudy Gestede, who along with Cairney penned a permanent deal with Rovers on Thursday, believes the pressure will be on City.

“Everybody is expecting us to lose 3-0 or 4-0 so there is no pressure on us,” said Gestede, who scored his first goal for Rovers in the victory over Leeds.

“It’s a very big game against a big team. Obviously they will make changes but it will still be a good team as City have some of the top players in the world.

“We’ll see where we are, if we are ready for the Premier League or not. Obviously it’s not all about one game but if we are up against some of the top players in the world, like (Yaya) Toure and (Vincent) Kompany, if you have a good game against them it will give be very good for the confidence for the rest of the season.

Comments

Good luck. You never know a big upset could be on the cards.
Just don't bottle it. Go out enjoy the game and send the fans home happy win lose or draw.

Get into em!

Good luck. You never know a big upset could be on the cards.
Just don't bottle it. Go out enjoy the game and send the fans home happy win lose or draw.
Get into em!A Darener

Good luck. You never know a big upset could be on the cards.
Just don't bottle it. Go out enjoy the game and send the fans home happy win lose or draw.

Get into em!

Score: 7

Is Eckersley playing?
11:21am Sat 4 Jan 14

A good article on Rovers in the Daliy Telegraph by Henry Winter to-day, worth reading. Says Venkys realise what mistakes they have made with the club, so the question is 'why don't they speak to the fans and apologise. I know, I know. Its cos they're bloody toss-pts!

A good article on Rovers in the Daliy Telegraph by Henry Winter to-day, worth reading. Says Venkys realise what mistakes they have made with the club, so the question is 'why don't they speak to the fans and apologise. I know, I know. Its cos they're bloody toss-pts!Is Eckersley playing?

A good article on Rovers in the Daliy Telegraph by Henry Winter to-day, worth reading. Says Venkys realise what mistakes they have made with the club, so the question is 'why don't they speak to the fans and apologise. I know, I know. Its cos they're bloody toss-pts!

Score: 5

leitchy
11:23am Sat 4 Jan 14

Jordan Rhodes out today?? Is that correct??

Jordan Rhodes out today?? Is that correct??leitchy

Jordan Rhodes out today?? Is that correct??

Score: -1

A Darener
11:25am Sat 4 Jan 14

leitchy wrote…

Jordan Rhodes out today?? Is that correct??

According to other sources. Only one conclusion.
He is going soon.
Venky's lying once again?

[quote][p][bold]leitchy[/bold] wrote:
Jordan Rhodes out today?? Is that correct??[/p][/quote]According to other sources. Only one conclusion.
He is going soon.
Venky's lying once again?A Darener

leitchy wrote…

Jordan Rhodes out today?? Is that correct??

According to other sources. Only one conclusion.
He is going soon.
Venky's lying once again?

Score: -2

Thirtyfour Years
11:26am Sat 4 Jan 14

Enjoy the game, as you said ' we are expected to lose' so no pressure.

Enjoy the game, as you said ' we are expected to lose' so no pressure.Thirtyfour Years

Enjoy the game, as you said ' we are expected to lose' so no pressure.

Score: 0

You're not mugging me off that easily
11:35am Sat 4 Jan 14

Yeah, course you would have.

Yeah, course you would have.You're not mugging me off that easily

Yeah, course you would have.

Score: -5

leitchy
11:46am Sat 4 Jan 14

A Darener wrote…

leitchy wrote…

Jordan Rhodes out today?? Is that correct??

According to other sources. Only one conclusion.
He is going soon.
Venky's lying once again?

The only doubt in premiership mangers minds, on signing Rhodes is that he is unproven against top teams!!

If he does well and scores against City then that might make them bid for him!
Leaving him out.....still leaves that doubt in there mind....and at over £8-10 mil might put managers off bidding!!

Could be quite clever by GB??

[quote][p][bold]A Darener[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]leitchy[/bold] wrote:
Jordan Rhodes out today?? Is that correct??[/p][/quote]According to other sources. Only one conclusion.
He is going soon.
Venky's lying once again?[/p][/quote]The only doubt in premiership mangers minds, on signing Rhodes is that he is unproven against top teams!!
If he does well and scores against City then that might make them bid for him!
Leaving him out.....still leaves that doubt in there mind....and at over £8-10 mil might put managers off bidding!!
Could be quite clever by GB??leitchy

A Darener wrote…

leitchy wrote…

Jordan Rhodes out today?? Is that correct??

According to other sources. Only one conclusion.
He is going soon.
Venky's lying once again?

The only doubt in premiership mangers minds, on signing Rhodes is that he is unproven against top teams!!

If he does well and scores against City then that might make them bid for him!
Leaving him out.....still leaves that doubt in there mind....and at over £8-10 mil might put managers off bidding!!

Could be quite clever by GB??

Score: 5

Forever Blue & White
11:49am Sat 4 Jan 14

Is Eckersley playing? wrote…

A good article on Rovers in the Daliy Telegraph by Henry Winter to-day, worth reading. Says Venkys realise what mistakes they have made with the club, so the question is 'why don't they speak to the fans and apologise. I know, I know. Its cos they're bloody toss-pts!

Totally agree about the article in the Daily Telegraph titled "Bowyer restores Blavkburns Roots" It's the best article I've seen for a long time about what's been happening at the club and how Bowyer is trying via various means to put the feel good factor back in the club and players. It ir really is a MUST READ for all true Rovers supporters! PS:- I get almost all reports about BRFC via "NewsNow Blackburn Rovers" web site and the link to the Telegraph article is on there

[quote][p][bold]Is Eckersley playing?[/bold] wrote:
A good article on Rovers in the Daliy Telegraph by Henry Winter to-day, worth reading. Says Venkys realise what mistakes they have made with the club, so the question is 'why don't they speak to the fans and apologise. I know, I know. Its cos they're bloody toss-pts![/p][/quote]Totally agree about the article in the Daily Telegraph titled "Bowyer restores Blavkburns Roots" It's the best article I've seen for a long time about what's been happening at the club and how Bowyer is trying via various means to put the feel good factor back in the club and players. It ir really is a MUST READ for all true Rovers supporters! PS:- I get almost all reports about BRFC via "NewsNow Blackburn Rovers" web site and the link to the Telegraph article is on thereForever Blue & White

Is Eckersley playing? wrote…

A good article on Rovers in the Daliy Telegraph by Henry Winter to-day, worth reading. Says Venkys realise what mistakes they have made with the club, so the question is 'why don't they speak to the fans and apologise. I know, I know. Its cos they're bloody toss-pts!

Totally agree about the article in the Daily Telegraph titled "Bowyer restores Blavkburns Roots" It's the best article I've seen for a long time about what's been happening at the club and how Bowyer is trying via various means to put the feel good factor back in the club and players. It ir really is a MUST READ for all true Rovers supporters! PS:- I get almost all reports about BRFC via "NewsNow Blackburn Rovers" web site and the link to the Telegraph article is on there

Score: 2

A Darener
11:50am Sat 4 Jan 14

Hadn't thought of that, by gum! Certainly quite clever tactic. Bit to clever for a football brain?

Hadn't thought of that, by gum! Certainly quite clever tactic. Bit to clever for a football brain?A Darener

Hadn't thought of that, by gum! Certainly quite clever tactic. Bit to clever for a football brain?

Score: 1

A Darener
11:56am Sat 4 Jan 14

So there we are...Rhodes out. Bye bye it was nice having you.
In Venky's we trust?

So there we are...Rhodes out. Bye bye it was nice having you.
In Venky's we trust?A Darener

So there we are...Rhodes out. Bye bye it was nice having you.
In Venky's we trust?

Score: -9

earwego
11:57am Sat 4 Jan 14

leitchy wrote…

A Darener wrote…

leitchy wrote…

Jordan Rhodes out today?? Is that correct??

According to other sources. Only one conclusion.
He is going soon.
Venky's lying once again?

The only doubt in premiership mangers minds, on signing Rhodes is that he is unproven against top teams!!

If he does well and scores against City then that might make them bid for him!
Leaving him out.....still leaves that doubt in there mind....and at over £8-10 mil might put managers off bidding!!

Could be quite clever by GB??

Rhodes on subs bench

[quote][p][bold]leitchy[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]A Darener[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]leitchy[/bold] wrote:
Jordan Rhodes out today?? Is that correct??[/p][/quote]According to other sources. Only one conclusion.
He is going soon.
Venky's lying once again?[/p][/quote]The only doubt in premiership mangers minds, on signing Rhodes is that he is unproven against top teams!!
If he does well and scores against City then that might make them bid for him!
Leaving him out.....still leaves that doubt in there mind....and at over £8-10 mil might put managers off bidding!!
Could be quite clever by GB??[/p][/quote]Rhodes on subs benchearwego

leitchy wrote…

A Darener wrote…

leitchy wrote…

Jordan Rhodes out today?? Is that correct??

According to other sources. Only one conclusion.
He is going soon.
Venky's lying once again?

The only doubt in premiership mangers minds, on signing Rhodes is that he is unproven against top teams!!

If he does well and scores against City then that might make them bid for him!
Leaving him out.....still leaves that doubt in there mind....and at over £8-10 mil might put managers off bidding!!

Could be quite clever by GB??

Rhodes on subs bench

Score: 2

midas
12:05pm Sat 4 Jan 14

Does being a sub mean you are cup tied?

Does being a sub mean you are cup tied?midas

Does being a sub mean you are cup tied?

Score: 0

A Darener
12:09pm Sat 4 Jan 14

midas wrote…

Does being a sub mean you are cup tied?

No, don't think so. Only if he comes on.

[quote][p][bold]midas[/bold] wrote:
Does being a sub mean you are cup tied?[/p][/quote]No, don't think so. Only if he comes on.A Darener

midas wrote…

Does being a sub mean you are cup tied?

No, don't think so. Only if he comes on.

Score: 0

You're not mugging me off that easily
12:36pm Sat 4 Jan 14

midas wrote…

Does being a sub mean you are cup tied?

Being a sub means you're off to Newcastle for 8 million quid!

[quote][p][bold]midas[/bold] wrote:
Does being a sub mean you are cup tied?[/p][/quote]Being a sub means you're off to Newcastle for 8 million quid!You're not mugging me off that easily

midas wrote…

Does being a sub mean you are cup tied?

Being a sub means you're off to Newcastle for 8 million quid!

Score: -5

Dukes
1:09pm Sat 4 Jan 14

Happy you signed. but if you play well venkys may cash on you.

Happy you signed. but if you play well venkys may cash on you.Dukes

Happy you signed. but if you play well venkys may cash on you.

Score: 1

A Darener
2:44pm Sat 4 Jan 14

Earlier I questioned whether the Venky's had lied to us re Rhodes going.
I hold my hand up, perhaps I was a bit premature and it was all a brilliant con by GB.

Well done to all.

Earlier I questioned whether the Venky's had lied to us re Rhodes going.
I hold my hand up, perhaps I was a bit premature and it was all a brilliant con by GB.
Well done to all.A Darener

Earlier I questioned whether the Venky's had lied to us re Rhodes going.
I hold my hand up, perhaps I was a bit premature and it was all a brilliant con by GB.

Well done to all.

Score: 5

mammamiauk
10:52pm Sat 4 Jan 14

Is Eckersley playing? wrote…

A good article on Rovers in the Daliy Telegraph by Henry Winter to-day, worth reading. Says Venkys realise what mistakes they have made with the club, so the question is 'why don't they speak to the fans and apologise. I know, I know. Its cos they're bloody toss-pts!

Thank you for this, I have just read this article. A very interesting, honest and revealing interview with GB and I would strongly recommend that Rovers fans read it. Well done, GB and continue to keep the good work going which I am sure you will!

[quote][p][bold]Is Eckersley playing?[/bold] wrote:
A good article on Rovers in the Daliy Telegraph by Henry Winter to-day, worth reading. Says Venkys realise what mistakes they have made with the club, so the question is 'why don't they speak to the fans and apologise. I know, I know. Its cos they're bloody toss-pts![/p][/quote]Thank you for this, I have just read this article. A very interesting, honest and revealing interview with GB and I would strongly recommend that Rovers fans read it. Well done, GB and continue to keep the good work going which I am sure you will!mammamiauk

Is Eckersley playing? wrote…

A good article on Rovers in the Daliy Telegraph by Henry Winter to-day, worth reading. Says Venkys realise what mistakes they have made with the club, so the question is 'why don't they speak to the fans and apologise. I know, I know. Its cos they're bloody toss-pts!

Thank you for this, I have just read this article. A very interesting, honest and revealing interview with GB and I would strongly recommend that Rovers fans read it. Well done, GB and continue to keep the good work going which I am sure you will!

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